It's a 30 gallon tank with a 15 gallon sump[....]
Looks like a decent knock-off option so I don't think you would end up disappointed with it, but if you aren't too attached to the idea of it I would steer clear of a cone design just due to the lack of skimmer body size. There are a lot of great skimmers out there, I mostly just suggest staying away from the gimmicks like cones, colored plastics, etc. Or at least don't pay extra for them.
Pump is the only thing that's really worth paying extra money for IMO, and even that's not always the case. (Ask...kinda outside this discussion topic.)
You'll have better overall skimming results with a full-bodied knock-off like the Vertex INS80 or INS100. Even ASM's Mini-G or G1.
Or try something domestic like an AquaC
Urchin (or
Urchin Pro even) - run as efficient a pump (or inexpensive) as you need to. The Maxi-Jet 1200 (280 gph or so) is the default usually, and a fine choice if your tank is not heat-burdened...your heaters will just run less compared to having a more efficient pump. If heat is causing issues already, you could upgrade to a Pengiun 1140 for about 50% power use/a little better performance. You can upgrade these skimmers to bigger pumps for more performance too...prolly up to 400gph or so on the Urchin. Great skimmer - simple, easy to maintain design - and typically many a good bargain to be had on used AquaC's (tho the Urchins are a little more rare to find used than other models). I won't link on principle, but if used is your target then a certain other forum site probably has a lot more traffic in used Urchins than anywhere else. Personally, I have the equivalent EV model (EV90) of the Urchin Pro (350gph default) running on a 700gph pump - it kicks major butt!
Since you indicated that budget isn't necessarily the #1 concern, I'd have to also recommend another domestic brand -
Reef Dynamics. Vertex, ASM and the others built like them are "near knock-offs" of these guys. Try their
INS80 or
INS100 models. (Funny* when the cloners clone to that level, isn't it?) The cost difference isn't that much, and they are the real deal - great company to deal with as well, at least in my experience. Even
H&S isn't out of your price range (tho they are out of stock everywhere I looked...
contact the company for more dealers).
Good luck!
-Matt
* "Funny" as in, "Does this smell funny?" Not as in "Funny: Ha! Ha!"
